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Emergency Landing After In-Flight Power Loss Due to Control Knob Confusion (N73003)

Frankenmuth, MI, US

On October 24, 1993, a Cessna 140 (registration N73003) was involved in an aviation accident near Frankenmuth, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent activation of the mixture control instead of the carburetor heat, facilitated by the identical design of the control knobs. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost engine power during cruise flight and made an emergency landing in a crop field. Investigation revealed that the mixture and carburetor heat controls were identical, leading to potential misidentification.

What happened

During cruise flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot initiated an emergency procedure and landed the airplane in a nearby crop field. Upon inspection, the aircraft was found to be substantially damaged.

The investigation

Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the control knobs for the mixture and carburetor heat were identical in shape, size, and color. This design feature created a high potential for confusion between the two controls.

Findings

The pilot indicated that he may have inadvertently activated the mixture control instead of the carburetor heat. The identical control knobs likely contributed to this error. The loss of engine power was directly attributed to this misidentification.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent activation of the mixture control instead of the carburetor heat, facilitated by the identical design of the control knobs.
Engine failure

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13544. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.